When I started writing this weekly blog over two years ago I thought I was experienced because I?d written a column for the local newspaper off and on for many years. But after reading several chapters of New York Times Best-Selling Author, Michael Hyatt?s book titled, Platform ? Get Noticed In A Noisy World I?ve found out I really don?t know as much as I thought I did.
Yes, I?ve absorbed plenty over the past few years. My previous publisher, Lucky Press helped me get my feet wet in the publishing world and I will forever be indebted to them, especially their marketing advisor, Shelby Isaacson with NuChapter Marketing. She and I worked together for several months building my social media platform. Many of the things Shelby taught me are also spotlighted in Mr. Hyatt?s book.
I?d like to share a couple of things with you. Most of us think the longer a blog the better. In fact I thought the rule was anything under one thousand words was fine, but Mr. Hyatt says in his book to keep your blog at five hundred words or less. I?ve been thinking a lot about this. He?s so right. Who in the world has time to sit and read lengthy posts?
Platform is a step-by-step guide for anyone with something to say or sell. Fellow authors this is a must read. Mr. Hyatt tells in his book how to create more blog traffic. He suggests you write frequently and keep it short. He posts five times a week, Monday through Friday. He says whatever you do be consistent. That?s why I always try to post on Mondays
Mr. Hyatt?s book is so well written. I?m usually bored by detail and non-fiction, but I find myself actually looking forward to reading a few chapters each day while I wait in car line for my granddaughter to get out of school. The book is written in a format that is easy to understand. He uses lists and bullets, has short chapters, and pretty much tells us what has worked for him and what hasn?t.
We should first of all write something that has meaning and is worth sharing. I know sometimes I tend to get too personal. Who wants to hear about my boring life? Hopefully in the future I will be more helpful to authors who are struggling to find their way. But for those who really know me you know I?ll always write from the heart and that’s just the long or short of it.
So for my first bit of helpful advice I suggest you purchase Mr. Hyatt?s book. It is by far one of the best sources I?ve seen on marketing yourself and your product. If you have something you are trying to sell via social media you will not regret investing a few dollars in this exceptional book.
Now if I don?t shut up I?ll be breaking rule number one and write over five hundred words. Oops, too late I?m already at five hundred and forty two. This less is better advice might just be a good thing, but I don?t know how easy it?s going to be. You know me; I sort of like to talk. Have a great week.
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Aw, this was a really nice post. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally ? taking time and actual effort to make a very good article? but what can I say? I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.